25 by 25

I turned 23 back in February. and I meant to do a 25 by 25 list.

so I'm doing it now.

better late than never, right?

1. Run a marathon each year

2. Read a book a month

I'm a big reader, but sometimes other stuff gets in the way. 

I want to get back to going through books.

3. Get a tattoo.

I have one I've always wanted to get.

4. Get in to school.

Whether it's nursing school, grad school for a PhD or PA school;

I want to get in and know what my career will be.

5. Become a more intentional wife

I want to make sure I'm continually praying, supporting, and honoring my husband in all moments.

6. Become more patient.

These last two are more life goals, but I would love to improve on them now

7. Challenge myself in cooking

I cook most nights, but I would love to become more skilled!

8. Become involved in a ministry

We're gone to an orientation for  the Homebound careteam at our church, 

and are just waiting on our assignments!

9. Get to my ideal weight.

10. 2 date nights a month with Sam

Um-it's important. 

11.  Travel out of the country

12. Go camping in a tent.

I've seriously never camped in a tent, with a fire, and all that jazz.

13.  Take at least 2 weekends away with Sam

Retreats, short vacations, just time away

14. Learn how to use my camera.

I've started messing with the settings and read a couple of tutorials,

but I want to know how to use it well!

15. Finish reading the whole Bible

I'm halfway now! 

16. Clean up our eating

We've cut desserts for this month.

But I want to cut the processed junk and eat real food. 

17. Journal/write consistently

I think it's important to see where the Lord has brought us.

Journaling and writing is the best way for me to see that.

18. Having people over for dinner at least once a month

We have great friends, and want to cultivate our friendships

19. Stop drinking coffee after noon.

I need more water.

20. Rise with 30 extra minutes to prepare my heart and home.

Um, I'm not a morning person. But that time in the morning is so important.

21. Consistently give Sam guy time.

22.  Send cards.

Email and phone calls are quick, but there is such power in a handwritten note.

23. Eat Breakfast

I rarely eat breakfast, and I know how bad that is for you.

24. Take lots of pictures.

Walks, dinners, just us in our apartment.

Someday I'll want to show them to kids.

25.  Take more risks outside of my comfort zone.

That's it!

Do-able in a year and a half? I think so

I tried to include many tangible things--not too many sweeping generalities.

What about you? Do you have a list?

dreaming big for 2012

So I was sort of back last week.

but not really.

the vacation continued.

now, it's 2012.

I'm a big goal setter.

and for most of my life, I have dreamed, set goals, and accomplished them.

and foolishly believed I was doing it on my own.

my prayer for this year is that I would grow in obedience to Christ.

that these goals would only be met if they are in the will of the Almighty.

that my goals are set because of the Creator I know.

and my eyes are to praise and thank Him.

not for comparing.

not for jealously.

but for looking at the good He has given and to praise.

so, with allllll of that. I've set goals. and these are just a few:

• Increase our tithe amount. We know He is faithful to provide, and we want to give beyond what we are now. 
• For me, a hard area can be easy Starbucks/Target trips. It's not much. Just picking up a few things we "need." Can we do without? Do we need them?  Don't hear me wrong, this isn't necessary food for our family. It's nailpolish, tights, $4 coffee. They aren't needs. So we don't need to buy them. 

• In school, I am continuing pre recs for nursing school. Praying the Lord would provide acceptance somewhere when we start applying.  
• When we do start applying, we're looking into a few different options (Nursing, Phd, etc) and praying the Lord would provide acceptance where He knows best. My goal is to be diligent in my classes and applications. 

•  In the middle of 2011, I started a Bible in a year plan. And somewhere around Thanksgiving I completely got off track. I am clinging to grace and getting back on it. I want to be faithful to finish and complete reading the Bible in 2012.
• You're all aware of the book 1000 Gifts and the many times I've blogged about it. I want to continue to let the Lord work that book in me. I am going to count and see the gifts to 1,000, and then after that, until the end of my days. 

•  I've been heavily convicted recently to be KIND. Sounds so easy and simple. and maybe even silly. But a big goal for 2012 is to be genuinely kind. 
• I'd like to run a Marathon in the fall of this year. (and speaking of, my half marathon is this SATURDAY.) I want to continue running, becoming healthier, eating better. I work better with a race to look forward to. and why not push the distance to twice what it is now?

• For our marriage, I desire our hearts to be so united, so connected, that I am able to share each of Sam's burdens fully. That his concerns and needs would truley become greater than mine.   I want to delve deeper into the mystery of Oneness that God has promised.

Do I still have anyone's attention? Anyone make it this far. Congrats.

Those are not all of the goals, but a good bit.

In all of the goals, there is grace. Grace for the hard days, grace for changed goals. 

but we're trusting and praying through these and expecting big things in 2012

Do you set goals? What is one of your goals for this year?